Nigerian Navy deploys 10 ships,helicopters for sea exercise
The Nigerian Navy has kicked off this year’s Exercise Obangame Express with the deployment of 10 ships and two helicopters to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.The five-day
The Nigerian Navy has kicked off this year’s Exercise Obangame Express with the deployment of 10 ships and two helicopters to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.The five-day event, which started yesterday, is expected to end on April 30.
In the course of sea inspection, the Nigerian Navy will also deploy maritime domain awareness assets and elements of the Special Boat Service to engage in a series of carefully designed scenarios, including anti-illegal trafficking of arms and drugs exercise, anti Crude Oil theft operations, anti- Ilegal unregulated and unreported fishing, visit, board, search and seizure procedures, as well as search and rescue exercise and simulation of hot pursuit.
The flag-off exercise took place onboard the Nigeria Naval Ship NNS Kada at the Onne Jetty in Rivers State, and drew participation from officers from sister security agencies and international partners.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the annual multinational exercise as critical in tackling evolving maritime threats.
Represented by an officer from the naval headquarters in Abuja, Rear Admiral Patrick Effah Effah, the CNS said the exercise was also meant to build the capacity of the personnel to counter maritime crimes, particularly piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking, and other illicit activities at sea.
He stressed that no single nation can secure its waters in isolation.
Abbas described Obangame Express as as a platform for participating countries to train together, build trust and enhance real-time operational coordination.
“This annual exercise has, over the years, evolved into a strategic platform for advancing coordinated maritime security operations within the Gulf of Guinea. It remains a critical instrument for fostering unity of effort, enhancing interoperability, and consolidating our shared resolve to secure our maritime domain against emerging and evolving threats.
“The core objectives include, to strengthen regional maritime security cooperation, enhance information sharing and maritime domain awareness, improve tactical and operational readiness, as well as to build the capacity of participating navies to effectively counter both national and transnational maritime crimes, particularly piracy, sea robbery, illegal trafficking and other illicit activities at sea,” he said.
The CNS noted improved safety within Nigeria’s waters, saying it has increased investor confidence, encouraged shipping activities and supported the Federal Government’s drive towards a sustainable blue economy.
“I am pleased to note that the sustained collaborative efforts of the Nigerian Navy, in synergy with regional and international partners, have yielded measurable results, among others,” Abbas said.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment and support to the military.
Abbas hailed naval officers and personnel involved in the exercise for their professionalism and dedication.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chiedozie Okehie, described Obangame Express as a major annual multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the United States Africa Command.
He said the exercise had evolved into a vital platform for enhancing interoperability, information sharing and tactical proficiency required to combat maritime threats across West and Central Africa.
Okehie noted that the Gulf of Guinea remains a critical global sea lane, making it imperative for Nigeria to sustain robust maritime security capabilities and deepen collaboration with regional and international partners.
“Exercise Obangame Express 2026 is a major annual multinational maritime security exercise conducted across West and Central Africa, under the sponsorship of the United States Africa Command.
“The exercise is strategically designed to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance maritime domain awareness, and improve interdiction capabilities among participating nations,” he said.
The FOC hailed Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara for providing an enabling environment for naval operations in the state, alongside other stakeholders and international partners for their support.
